Summer Soltice 2014 - Road Trip

[gwatson]

Does anyone else celebrate summer solstice with a road trip? I try and get away each year.

This will be my first proper road trip in the ///M. Plan is to leave early and go from the east to west coast via the famous Applecross road (highest road in the UK), lap round Skye, Ferry to Mallaig, on to FT William and back home via Laggan and Aviemore. 550 miles all in. Given it's light until 11:30pm just now, there is no rush for time. Just need to plan my fuel stops.

2014 Route



Road to AppleCross




This was my 2013 route, 620 miles in one day. East to north noast, down the West Coast and back to the East. Some pictures too. Hope the weather is better this year.

 

[flimper]

light to 11.30, blimey

 

[gwatson]

Yeap!

This was 2012 just outside of Ballater at 10.20pm and was still "light" when we got home an hour later



On the downside, it's pretty much dark by 3:15pm in the winter.

 

[pvr]

Some fantastic speed camera / trap free roads up there, I really envy you that. I have done the highlander / Skye routes 3 times now, and it is very nice and relaxing.

Been (mostly) lucky with the weather as well.

 

[Ed Doe]

That route looks brilliant! I'm envious. I did a few of the passes in the Lakes a few years back but those look way better (awaits flaming from Lakes members!)

By the by, how have you found the step from the S2000 to the Z4? I realise the obvious differences between a 3.0Si and an M, but only a few months ago I was in a dilemma between an S2000 and the Z4C I now have. I love it, but obviously have wondered if the grass was a different shade of green on the other side as it were...

 

[gwatson]

Very briefly.... Both are dominated by the engine, each a master class in their own right. My hand was forced selling the S2000 (had a move abroad through work which fell through after selling it) and a local Z4M came up for sale at a price I couldn't refuse.

S2000 is more involving, focussed and nimble, with suspension that works better on B class roads and the associated speeds. I would therefore say more more fun at the weekends. The only think lacking was a decent exhaust note, but the induction was awesome at 9000rpm. However, you need to be in the mood to work it, would of hated it as a daily, 4000rpm+ at 70mph for example. The biggest disappointment was it felt and sounded very ordinary when not thrashing it. With the Zed you know there is a big engine lurking under the bonnet, so I guess it feels more special overall.

I would say it was a sideways move, better in some ways, worse in others, but really enjoying the Zed now I've done 1500 miles of bonding with it

 

[Ed Doe]

Thanks for the feedback; I suspected as much. A good friend of mine and die-hard petrolhead was doing everything he could to point me away from the S2000s for exactly the reasons you cited above; fun and involving to drive fast, but a pain to live with daily, and a car not generally comfortable in itself when driving slowly.

I did drive a couple of s2ks before getting the Zed, and definitely felt the Zed was more of an occasion. It really feels special to be in, and to drive in my opinion.

Anyway, thanks for the info, much appreciated.

 

[buzyg]

Well jealous, Looks like a brilliant route.

Have cycled most of the roads, years ago. Must get the Zed up there one day soon.

 

[metal licker]

Very nice Loved Applecross on the forum hoon